Men in Korea from Grand Traverse, MI

Some men found in the Grand Traverse County Cemeteries... If there is a post on them it will say 'posted' if not, (red font) I have not researched or perhaps found anything on that person.

Eugene Kropp was KIA 1952 in Korea (St Paul Lutheran Cemetery)
Robert E Miller Korea (Oakwood) 25 May 1992 GT Death Record?
Walter Tobin Jr Korea MIA 1950 (Tobin Cemetery)

Albert D. Woodcox d. korea 1950 'posted'

Leonard G. Lyon Korea 1951 'posted'

Harold A. Otis Korea 1951 'posted'

Richard R. Majszak -- Korea 1951 'posted'

James B. Walling Germany 1950 Unk Korea

Charles J. Benak d. US 1951

Raymond D. Stefaniak d. US 1951

Ralph B. Balantine ----- 'posted'

Robert G. Gilbert - Korea 1951

Frances Carmody -'posted'

David A. Feriend ---'posted'

Charles Lawler ----'posted'

Johnie Donkers --- 'posted'

John McGarry d. US 1954

Found mention of Bill Gleason 17 Jun 1950 pg 9; stating if he had not been in Okinawa he would have been on the senior class trip. Also found where brother Leonard went to Korea 1951 Feb 22 pg 17. See separate post for these boys.

blurb about a couple of the 'boys' of Korea
4 May 1949 pg 12 Traverse City, GT, Michigan
Williamsburg News
Wednesday evening, May 4, the 4-H tractor maintanence boys plan to attend the supper given by Mr. Olsen for all Grand Traverse 4-H club tractor members. Ed and Charles Benak, Peter Watson, Bill Gleason, Keith Malcolm, Lyle Ashmore, Donald Lichty, Allen Goodman and Will Garland are local members.

Death for _A_ William M. Gleason d. 16 Oct 1983GT - check obit to see if this is the same 'Bill' as above. No marriage in GT county. No death or marriage in GT county for Leonard brother of William. Parents are Mr/Mrs Leonard Gleason

Make a post for:
Jan 7 1953 pg 3
Traverse City Record Eagle
Local News

Research obits/data for the following for serving in Korea: Same newspaper as above.
Spent furlough-A/3c Hal J. Tuller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Tuller of Mayfield, has returned to his base at Biloxi, Miss., following a 15-day furlough with his parents.

Returns to Base: A/1c John F. Pleva left today to return to his base at Alexandria, La., after a Christmas furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pleva of Cedar.

Leaves for Biloxi--After spending a 30 day furlough with Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Korn, 1125 East Eighth Street, S/Sgt. Albert Korn left Monday morning to go to Biloxi, Miss., where he will be stationed as an instructor in radar.

Return to Selfridge--A/1c and Mrs. Lloyd Hermel returned to Selfridge field on Sunday they had been guests for New Year's Day and the weekend of the former's parents Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hermel of Elmwood Avenue.

Richard Majszak

MAJSZAK Richard Data

Headstone: 5 Oct 1952 Age 27y. d. in KOREA
Catholic New Section at Catholic Oakwood in Traverse City, MI

Military Data

Corporal Majszak was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on October 5, 1951. Corporal Majszak was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.

Korean War Veterans Honor Roll

Name:	Richard F Majszak
Birth Date:	1927
Gender:	Male
Race:	Caucasian
Home City:	Grand Traverse
Home State:	Michigan
Citizen Status:	US Citizen
Death Date:	5 Oct 1951
Processed Date:	Nov 1979
Casualty Country:	Korea
Casualty Type:	Hostile - Killed
Casualty Cause:	US Army - No Information Available
Casualty Air:	US Army - No Information Available
Service Branch:	US Army
Component:	Z
Rank:	Corporal

Donald J Barton

26 Jan 1951

Pfc. Donald Killed In Korea
Another local boy has made the supreme sacrifice for his country and as we look down the long roster of those who have given their lives for the principle of America, the price seems almost too heavy.

Mr. and Mrs. Harwood Barton who operate the I. J. Mosher Service Service Station in Kalkaska, received word Sunday night from the War Dept. in Washington, D.C., informing them that their only son Pfc. Donald James Barton, age 19, had been killed in action in Korea on December 4, 1950. Young Barton was a member of the 31st Regiment of the 7th Division, and had been in service better than two years. He was sent overseas in March 1949, and stationed at Camp Crawford, Hokkaido, Japan until the Inchon invasion.

Besides the parents he is survived by his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Orpha Barton of Kalkaska.


Military Data:

Name:	Donald J Barton
Inducted From:	Michigan
Rank:	Private First Class
Combat Organization:	31st Infantry 7th Division
Death Date:	4 Dec 1950
Monument:	Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Last Known Status:	Missing
U.S. Awards:	Purple Heart Medal

Private First Class Barton was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on December 4, 1950. His remains were not recovered. Private First Class Barton was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.

Gene Dixon

Gene Dixon's "Veteran's Memoirs" There is a Memoirs Index making it simpler to find stories.

Edward G. Brockway

Edward Glen is the son of Glenn Brockway and Pearl Marie Conway and was born 18 Feb 1925 in Adrian, Michigan. In the 1930 census he was living with parents in Rome, Lenawee, Michigan with younger siblings, Harriet, Vivian and staup step-siblings Elwood, Donald, and Francis.

Private First Class Brockway was a medic with the Medical Company, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was listed as Missing in Action while tending his wounded comrades in North Korea on April 18, 1953.


He was presumed dead on April 19, 1954. Private First Class Brockway was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Medical Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor

Any corrections or data found that you wish to add to this bio please email kingsley@aol.com

Attn: Korea Blog

Douglas J. Laurent

Douglas J. Laurent was born to Fred Alfred Laurent and Genevieve Lamarre about 1928 in Wexford County, Michigan. Siblings Leland, Kenneth, Howard, Mary, Fredrick, Eugene, and Gerald.

Private First Class Laurent was a member of the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on June 27, 1951. Private First Class Laurent was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll.

Records to substantiate:

1930 Census

Korean War Casualties 1950-1957

WWI, WWII, and Korean Casualty Listings

Earl G. Dow

Earl G. Dow was born about 1931 in Wexford County, Michigan. Private First Class Dow was a member of the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.

He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on November 1, 1950. Private First Class Dow was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. 
Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll

Name:	Earl G Dow
Birth Date:	1931
Race:	White
Home State:	Michigan
Casualty Date:	11 Nov 1950
Casualty Country:	North Korea Sector
Casualty Type:	Killed in Action OR Missing in Action, KIA
Group:	KIA or Missing in Action, KIA
Branch:	Infantry
Component:	AUS - 21 Months
Rank:	Private First Class
Pay Grade:	Private First Class
Disposed Date:	11 Nov 1950
Disposed Place:	North Korea
Organization:	Cv Div Inf - 1st
Element Sequence:	Cv Div Cav Regt Inf
Unit #:	0005
Service Occupation:	Light Weapons Infantryman

Name:	Earl G Dow
Birth Date:	1931
Gender:	Male
Race:	Caucasian (White)
Home City:	Wexford
Home State:	Michigan
Citizen Status:	US Citizen
Death Date:	1 Nov 1950
Processed Date:	Nov 1979
Casualty Country:	Korea
Casualty Type:	Hostile - Killed
Casualty Cause:	US Army - No Information Available
Casualty Air:	US Army - No Information Available
Service Branch:	US Army
Component:	Z
Rank:	Private First Class
Pay Grade:	Private First Class (U.S. Army) Or Airman Second Class (Airman First Class) (U.S. Air Force) Or Lance Corporal (U.S. Marine Corps) Or Grade/Rate Abbreviations With First Column: A,C,D,F,H,S,Or T; Second Column: A; Third And Fourth Columns: Blank (U.S

Joseph Bak,

Joseph Bak was born 2nd Jan 1921 Wexford County, Michigan. Private First Class Bak was a member of the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.

He was taken Prisoner of War while fighting the enemy in South Korea on February 4, 1951 and died while a prisoner on July 4, 1951.

Private First Class Bak was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Prisoner of War Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll / Korean War Prisoners of War, 1850-54 Source: Repatriated Korean Conflict POW's, Dossier #C8050186

WIlliam T. Magee

William T. Magee was born about 1930 Kalkaska, Michigan. Private Magee was a member of the 29th Infantry Regimental Combat Team.

He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in South Korea on September 1, 1950. Private Magee was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.

Leonard Godfrey Lyon

Leonard Godfrey Lyon was born 1 Feb 1920 Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, MI. Son of Harry G. Lyon and Hazel Geyer. Leonard's siblings are Jane, Kenneth, Charlotte, and Harry.

First Lieutenant Lyon was a member of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. His unit was defending positions north of Hoensong, South Korea, when it was cut off by the Chinese.

He was Killed by machine gun fire while trying to break through the enemy trap on February 13, 1951. First Lieutenant Lyon was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.

Robert G. Gilbert

Robert was born about 1932 in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. Private First Class Gilbert was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.

He was seriously wounded by the enemy in South Korea on February 14, 1951 and returned to duty on April 19, 1951.

He was taken Prisoner of War while fighting the enemy in South Korea on May 18, 1951 and died while a prisoner on November 30, 1951.

His remains were not recovered. Private First Class Gilbert was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.

David A. Feriend

David A Feriend was born about 1927 Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

Sergeant Feriend was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. His service occupation is listed as Automotive Mechanic (2nd Echelon).

He was listed as Missing in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on December 6, 1950.

He was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Sergeant Feriend was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

Johnie Donkers

Johnie Donkers was born about 1930 Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

Sergeant Donkers was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was listed as Missing in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on October 19, 1952.

He was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Sergeant Donkers was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Data Source: Korean War Veteran Honor Roll

Frank Louis Van Sickle Jr,

Frank Louis Van Sickle Jr was born 14 Feb 1925 Fife Lake, Michigan. Major Van Sickle died 1 Nov 1950 in Korea, Missing in Action or Presumed Dead. Frank was a Major in the U. S. Air Force service ID A0821568.

Major Van Sickle was the pilot of an F-80C Shooting Star Fighter interceptor with the 15th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. On November 1, 1850, while on a combat mission over Sinuiju Airfield, Korea, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed 15 miles from the airfield. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead December 31, 1953. For his leadership and valor, Major Van Sickle was awarded the Distinquished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, The Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll.

Walter H. Tobin Jr

Traverse City Record Eagle, Traverse City, MI
May 23 1950, pg 3

Pfc. Walter Tobin is returning to Fort Lawton, Washington, after spending a leave at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Tobin* of Glen Arbor. The plans to go from there to Japan. *Helen Tobin.

The 1930 census gives his siblings as Ned and Leslie.

Pfc. Tobin of the U. S. Army, d. 2 Dec 1950 Korea. Military records say he died while missing.

Specialist Fourth Class (U.S. Army) Or Corporal (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps) Or Airman First Class (Sergeant) (U.S. Air Force) Or Grade/Rate Abbreviations With First Column: Any Entry; Second Column: N; Third Column: 3; Fourth Column: Blank (U.S. N)

Harold W. Zook

Harold W. Zook b. 1930 residing in Antrim county. Pfc. Zook d. 14 Aug 1950
in South Korea. He was Killed in Action or Missing in Action. His service occupation was a Light Weapons Infantryman.

Private First ClPost Optionsass (U.S. Army) Or Airman Second Class (Airman First Class) (U.S. Air Force) Or Lance Corporal (U.S. Marine Corps) Or Grade/Rate Abbreviations With First Column: A,C,D,F,H,S,Or T; Second Column: A; Third And Fourth Columns: Blank (U.S)

Jerry R. Thomas

Name: Jerry R Thomas
Birth Date: 1933
Race: Caucasian

Home County: Antrim
Home State: Michigan
Citizen Status: US Citizen

Casualty Date: 2 Sep 1951
Casualty Country: North Korea Sector
Casualty Type: Hostile Killed in Action OR Missing in Action, KIA

War: Korean War
Group: KIA or Missing in Action, KIA
Branch: Infantry
Component: USA - RA (Reg Army)
Rank: Private E-2
Pay Grade: Private E-2
Disposed Date: 2 Sep 1951
Disposed Place: North Korea
Organization: In Div - 2nd
Element Sequence: Cv Div Cav Regt Inf
Unit #: 0009
Service Occupation: Light Weapons Infantryman

Processed Date: Nov 1979

• Title: Private, U.S. Army Rank: Private Service: U.S. Army Service ID: 16365832 Notes: Private Thomas was a member of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on September 2, 1951. Private Thomas was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
  
• Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll
  

Gerald G Woodring Tombstone

Grand Traverse County Death Information:
WOODRING, GERALD G 12-04-1992

Social Security Information:
Name: Gerald G. Woodring
Date of Birth: Wednesday April 08, 1931
Date of Death: Friday December 04, 1992
Est. Age at death: 61 years, 7 months, 26 days
Last known residence: City: 6771 Bates St., Traverse City
County: Grand Traverse State: Michigan
ZIP Code: 49684
Social Security: State of Issue: Michigan

Captain Francis Carmody Missing

Francis Carmody born 4 May 1923 Dallas, Texas; died 4 Feb 1953 Korea, Missing in Action / Presumed Dead in Korean War. Title: Captain, U. S. Air Force; Service ID: A0785759; Monument: Honolulu, Hawaii. Notes: Captain Carmody was the pilot of a B-26B Invader bomber with the 34th Bomber Squadron, 17th Bomber Wing. On February 4, 1953, while on a night intruder mission, another aircraft heard the order to bail out. Captain Carmody was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 2 5, 1954. For his leadership and valor, Captain Carmody was awarded the Distinquished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, The United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll.

Guy Love of Kalkaska: Dies In Action & Obituary

Guy Reynolds Love Jr. born 28 Sep 1930 South Boardman, Kalkaska county, Michigan. Corporal Love was a member of the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea by an enemy mortar shell on October 20, 1951. Corporal Love was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.

Article 1: Guy Love 21 Nov 1951 (Newspaper Date)
Dies in Action
Article 2: Guy Love 30 Jan 1952 (Newspaper Date)
Body Returns

Charles Lawler Missing & Obituary

Charles was born abt 1930 d. 2 Nov 1950 North Korea Sector Heavy Weapons Infantryman

Article 1: 27 Nov 1950 Charles Lawler Missing
Article 2: 7 Jan 1954 Charles Lawler Obituary
Click on article to enlarge for easier reading.

Ralph Balentine

Ralph was born about 1932 in Grand Traverse county, Michigan. He died 4 Jan 1951 Korea during Hostile fire, died while captured/interned. U.S. Army PFC.

Private First Class Balentine was a member of the 25th Reconnaissance Company, 25th Infantry Division. He was taken Prisoner of War while fighting the enemy in South Korea on January 4, 1951 and died while a prisoner on June 18, 1951. Private First Class Balentine was awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, The National Defense Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll.

Please enlarge images for easier reading and printing. Thank you.

Harold Otis Family Tragedy

Harold was born about 1926 Grand Traverse County. Corporal Otis was a member of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on May 30 1951. Corporal Otis was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll.

Article 1: Harold Otis 17 Jan 1951 Now in Korea

...Death Date 30 May 1951 Korea
Article 2: Harold Otis 21 Jun 1951 Killed
Article 3: Harold Otis 28 Nov 1951 Body Due Home
Article 4: Austin Otis 1 Dec 1951 Accident
Article 5: Harold/Austin 3 Dec 1951 Part 1 & 2 Obituary Father & Son
Article 6: Reserves Attend Funeral 4 Dec 1951
Article 7: Grandparents/Parents attend funeral 8 Dec 1951

Please enlarge the images for reading or printing.

Julius Marshall Arrives in Korea

1930 Census

Julius was born in 1930 to William A and Katherine W. (Bagley) Marshall (mar 1921GT). They were residents of Peninsula Twp, near Traverse City, Michigan. He had an older brother John D. Marshall at this time.

A military record was not found. A marriage found in Grand Traverse county for Julius E. and Roselyn J. Potter 1953.

Article Date: 6 Jan 1951

20 Feb 1962 Traverse City Record Eagle newspaper shows the birth of a son William Augustus to S/Sgt. Julius Marshall and Roselyn Potter at Ft. Ritchie, Maryland on 18 Feb. 1962.

March 3 1970, (pg 3) in the Traverse City Record Eagle there is mention of Julius and Roselyn in an obituary of Miss Mary Rosecrans Bagley. Julius was a nephew and was living in Tucson, Arizona.